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NEXT MEETING
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Auburn Elks Lodge
754 Southbridge Street, Auburn, MA

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See Details Below


Symposium 2024



MEETING, MART, SPEAKERS, and LUNCHEON


NAWCC New England Chapter 8
Saturday, October 26, 2024, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Auburn Elks Lodge 2118
754 Southbridge Street
Auburn, MA 01501


Join us for our next meeting at the Auburn Elks Lodge on October 26th. 


In addition to a wide variety of clocks, watches, and horological equipment, tools, and parts, the day features a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and the usual sumptous luncheon catered by the staff at the Elks Lodge.

8:30 AM to 9:00 AM

        Mart Set-Up:  Hall opens for Mart exhibitors only.  The venue has asked that those who have signed up for tables arrive no earlier than 8:30 AM.


9:00 AM to 11:45 AM

        Registration and Mart:  Nametags are available for pre-registered members.  Walk-in registration begins.  Mart will close at 11:45 AM.


9:00 AM to 11:55 AM

        Silent Auction:  There is a flat fee of $3.00 per item.  Multiple items for one bid count as one item.  The charge is collected in advance and applies regardless of whether an item sells.  We hope you find this an easy way to sell just a few items.


10:00 AM - 11:45 AM

        Presentations:

One of our speakers will be Russ Oechsle who will present Without Equal: The Clocks of Abner Jones of Bloomfield, New York.  (Alternate title: The Story of a Boy from Pittsfield, NH Who Makes Good as a Clockmaker in Upstate NY)  The huge, flamboyant, unique clocks made by Abner Jones in the period 1818-41 have emerged over time as one of the most intriguing of all the upstate NY makers, while Jones has remaned an enigma. This program, based on the 2022 NAWCC publication, will provide new findings and information so as to finally do this remarkable maker justice. A long-time researcher of upstate New York clocks and clock makers, Russ is the author/co-author of multiple books, as well as numerous articles and presentations on the subject. Russ is a Silver Star Fellow of the NAWCC, past president of Central New York Chapter 55, past president of Cog Counters Chapter 194 and Tower and Street Clock Chapter 134, and currently serves as editor of Chapter 134’s journal, Public Time. He has also served as a past director of the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol, CT. In 2023, Russ was awarded the NAWCC Kenneth D. Roberts–Snowden Taylor Horological Research Award for his original research efforts.

Our second speaker will be Tom Vaughn who will discuss the clocks of the Cheney Family in CT. Tom has measured and reproduced on his workbench using an early wheel cutting machine a replica of one of Timothy Cheney's clocks.  A professional historian and maker of wooden clocks, Vaughn is currently a conservator at Foley Baker, Inc. Pipe Organ Services.  Also the Vice President of the Plymouth Historical Society, a past endeavor has included a stint as the Coordinator of Music, Arts, and Performance at Old Sturbridge Village. Tom is also a frequent contributor to Cog Counters Chapter 194.


12:00 Noon

        Buffet Luncheon


 

       


Chapter 8 and NAWCC Members and their Guests

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ANNUAL PICNIC and MART



Perfect weather prevailed for the Annual Picnic and Mart held at American Legion Post 244 in West Brookfield on July 27th.

Several new members attended and left with tall case and ogee clocks to add to their projects, and others found clocks and supplies worthy of adding to their collections.  All participants were overheard swapping stories and tips while visiting the various mart displays.  As usual, the combined efforts of Joanne and Steve Chatlas, Joe and Nancy Seremeth, and Rich Pompeo provided attendees with a delicious and plentiful picnic lunch which enticed many members to go back for seconds and some for thirds!

Slideshow
Annual Picnic 2024

Slideshow
Willard House Workshop


Annual Willard House Workshop and Luncheon

Saturday, May 18, 2024
Willard House & Clock Museum

11 Willard Street, North Grafton, MA  01536
(508)-839-3500
https://willardhouse.org/


In spite of the threatening weather, the May Workshop at the Willard House & Clock Museum in North Grafton, MA was a great success.  Speakers included Rich Pompeo, Chris Carey, and the featured informative and entertaining Robert Cheney who spoke about the gift of the Charles N. Grichar Collection of Horology, including Willard Clocks, E. Howard & Co. astronomical regulators, over 300 fine pocket watches and over 100 timekeepers for the wrist soon coming to Willard House.


ANNUAL MEETING, PRESENTATION, and MART

NAWCC New England Chapter 8
Saturday, February 3, 2024

     
SERVICING THE SWISS PINWHEEL JEWELER'S REGULATOR MOVEMENT
David Hagberg


It should be straightforward, servicing a time only, seconds beat weight driven wall clock. Swiss pinwheel regulator movements are another story!  David gave a brief overview of these clocks, and then, using a slideshow, took the audience through the unique disassembly steps.  He discussed possible problems and solutions unique to this type of clock and followed with cleaning, reassembly, lubrication, setup and continuing care.

 



REPLACING THE THIRD STRIKE WHEEL IN AN E.HOWARD TOWER CLOCK
Phil D'Avanza

 

Phil lead the audience through replacing a 96 tooth 5.5" diameter gear with 18 teeth that were missing.  From laying out the replacement on a hard brass plate to facing the blank, making the arbor, and cutting the teeth, and cutting the spokes, thereby producing a finely manufactured replacement wheel for the clock.  The audience was captivated by Phil's workmanship and precision throughout the process.

Slideshow
February 3 2024
Slideshow
October 14, 2023

NAWCC New England Chapter 8
Saturday, October 14, 2023


John Weber
 discussed his findings on Horological screws: the evolution of screws used in clocks and watches and the surprising economics of screws and screw making.  This includes a discussion of the impact of Waltham technology and how screws can show service issues.  Detailed examination of the screws, expecially in watches, is useful for determining how a watch or clock rates on terms of "Height" of its horology, antique, vintage used, and contemporary.



John Fitzwilliam, a veteran clock repairer and restorer based in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, at his shop "Clocks on the Common," showcase two remarkable early American Patent Timepieces, each cherished heirlooms of their respective families since their original purchase.


One of these timepieces is believed to be an exceptionally rare and previously undocumented early Simon Willard & Son clock, complete with a date and number. This intriguing piece has historical ties to a captivating home in Concord, Massachusetts, and John promises to provide further insights and details during his presentation.


The second timepiece, a Daniel Monroe clock, began its life in a tavern in Keene, New Hampshire, over two centuries ago and has remained within the same family ever since. John will share the fascinating history of this clock's journey and preservation.




ANNUAL PICNIC and MART

NAWCC New England Chapter 8
Saturday, August 5, 2023



The weather was spectacular for the Annual Picnic and Mart and the American Legion in West Brookfield.  Over 40 members and their guests attended, and, in additiona to the Mart, picnic, and Show and Tell, there were renewing of friendships, good conversation, and swapping of technical expertise!

Enjoy the pictures from the day!

Join Us on October 14, 2023 for our Fall Meeting and Mart - details forthcoming.

Slideshow
August 5, 2023 Annual Picnic and Mart